Collapsible Furniture Modules and Articles of Furniture Assembled with the Modules

ABSTRACT

A module for forming furniture includes an upper frame, a lower frame, and at least two support posts to connect said upper frame to said lower frame whereby said upper frame and lower frame form an assembled configuration when said support posts connect and a disassembled configuration when said support post connection is disconnected.

INDEX TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a non-provisional of, and claims benefit to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/677,774 filed Jul. 31, 2012the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

Ready-to-assemble furniture is very popular in many aspects of thefurniture industry. Often times, ready-to-assemble furniture requires asignificant plurality of component parts. Additionally, althoughready-to-assemble furniture is configured such that a consumer is ableto assemble and use said furniture, it often requires the consumer touse numerous hand tools including but not limited to, screwdrivers,hammers, pliers, vice grips and the like. Another drawback withconventional ready-to-assemble furniture relates to versatility. Mostready-to-assemble furniture products have a single use and a singleconfiguration. Furthermore, the ready-to-assemble furniture productscurrently available are not provided such that they can be disassembledand moved easily. The present disclosure sets forth the discovery of aconfiguration for a module whereby the module can be used for aplurality of purposes. The module can be provided as a square module andutilized as an ottoman. The module can have a square or slightlyrectangular configuration and be provided as a back portion and used asa single portion chair. Additionally, the single person chair can beprovided with one or two arm portions and utilized as a chair with armportions. It is this very configuration and construction wherebyassembly and disassembly and be repeatedly carried out without the needfor hand tools.

The present invention further includes an article of furniturecomprising:

at least one module,wherein said module is assembled into an article of furniture. Thefurniture is any of an ottoman, a chair, a loveseat, or a sofa.

In one embodiment, the furniture is constructed of a single module isutilized to form said furniture.

In additional embodiments, the furniture is formed between 2-20 modules,preferably 2-10 modules. In one embodiment the furniture is formed ofany of 2-8 modules, 2-6, modules, and/or 2-4 modules.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is a module for formingfurniture, said module comprising:

-   -   an upper frame;    -   a lower frame;    -   at least two support posts to connect said upper frame to said        lower frame whereby said upper frame and lower frame form an        assembled configuration when said support posts connect and a        disassembled configuration when said support post connection is        disconnected.

In one embodiment, the upper frame has at least one side plate, whereinsaid side plate is configured to rotate into a perpendicular orientationrelative to said frame and a substantially parallel orientation relativeto said frame. Rotation, in one embodiment, is a hinged rotation aboutan attached hinge.

In one embodiment, the said rotation is effectuated by at least onehinge connected each to said side portion and said base frame. The upperframe has a pair of opposing side plates and said lower frame has a pairof opposing side plates, whereby each set of opposing side plates isconstructed and arranged to define four side walls of a rectangularsolid when said upper frame and said lower frame are in an assembledconfiguration. As with the lower frame, the upper frame is similarlyconstructed with at least one hinge connected each to said side portionand said base frame.

The upper frame has a seat support structure attached thereto wherebysaid seat support structure is constructed and arranged to remain inplace on said upper frame when said upper frame is in each of theassembled and unassembled configurations.

The present invention further includes an article of furniturecomprising:

at least one module according to the present invention, wherein saidmodule is assembled into an article of furniture.

The furniture is any of an ottoman, a chair, a loveseat, or a sofa. Inone embodiment, a single module is utilized to form said furniture. Thiscan be any of ottoman, a chair, a loveseat, or a sofa. The furniture canbe backless, like an ottoman, have a back, a plurality of back portions,armless, on or more arm portions, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, between 2-20 modules are used to form the furniturearticle.

In one embodiment, the invention is a module for forming furniture, saidmodule comprising:

-   -   at least one collapsible support frame; and        a means for locking said collapsible frame into a standing        assembled position.

The module has one or more support posts to support said frame in astanding position, said posts and frame forming a furniture module in anassembled configuration.

The module has one or more side plates, wherein said side plate isconfigured to rotate into a perpendicular orientation relative to saidframe and a substantially parallel orientation relative to said frame.

The rotation is about a hinge connected each to said plate and supportframe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective of an exemplary assembled module.

FIG. 2 is plan detail of the top portion of an exemplary module.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the module from FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view with side portions from FIG. 2 rotated inward withrespect to the frame.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the bottom portion of an exemplary module.

FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view with side portions rotated inward with respect tothe frame.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a support item used in the module.

FIG. 9 is a section view along sections lines A-A of FIG. 1 showingsupport post assembly.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of two portions demonstrating along theindicated arrows assembly of an exemplary module.

FIG. 11 the portions of FIG. 10 connected and forming a module.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of FIG. 11 with the side portions in anopen position.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of item 11 with the side portions rotatedinward with respect to the frame.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of item 12.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the bottom portion of an article of thepresent invention with side portions rotated inward along complementaryhinges.

FIG. 16 is an exemplary module in a folded configuration.

FIG. 17 is another exemplary embodiment of a module whereby the modulehas more than four sides.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the female connecting portion of anembodiment of the module.

FIG. 19 is the female frame portion with sides folded inward withrespect to the frame

FIG. 20 is the male frame portion of an embodiment of the module.

FIG. 21 is the male portion of the frame of an exemplary module withsides folded inward with respect to the frame.

FIG. 22 is a front view of an exemplary frame.

FIG. 23 is a back view the frame of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the frame depicted in FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a partial side view showing an exemplary center supportplate.

FIG. 26 is a center support plate end view.

FIG. 27 is the side view of the base with center support plate.

FIG. 28 is an exemplary female mounting bracket.

FIG. 29 is an exemplary male mounting bracket complementary to thefemale mounting bracket of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 demonstrates locking bolt.

FIG. 31 shows the separated foot and post detail.

FIG. 32 shows an exemplary connected and assembled foot and postarrangement.

FIG. 33 a perspective view of an assembled module configured as a seataccording to the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a plan view of the base of a module according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 35 is a front view of the base of a module to the presentinvention.

FIG. 36 is a side view of the base of a module into the presentinvention.

FIG. 37 is a side view of a collapsed frame of a module into the presentinvention.

FIG. 38 is a side view of a top portion of a module into the presentinvention.

FIG. 39 is a plan view of a top portion of the module according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 40 is a top view of an assembled module coring to the presentinvention

FIG. 41 is a partial section side view showing female connector and backportion according to the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a separated view showing support post and foot assembly withdirectional arrow indicating connection according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 43 are the support post and foot assembly of FIG. 42 in anassembled configuration.

FIG. 44 is an isometric separated view showing components of the presentinvention in a configuration with directional arrows indicating pointsof assembly.

FIG. 45 is the back assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a collapsed top frame according to the present invention.

FIG. 47 is a collapsed bottom frame according to the present invention.

FIG. 48 is demonstrative of a shipping arrangement to the presentinvention whereby a collapsed top portion of a framing module and acollapsed bottom portion of a frame module nest within a back portionfor shipping.

FIG. 49 is an expanded view of collapsible frame back portions and armportions of a sofa assembled according to the present invention.

FIG. 50 is a plan view of the bottom portion of a frame module accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 51 is a front view of the bottom portion of the frame moduleaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 52 is a side view of the bottom portion of the frame module pouringto the present invention.

FIG. 53 is a plan view of the bottom frame portion of a module accordingto the present invention whereby each side piece is slightly opened todemonstrate the collapsible nature of the frame portion.

FIG. 54 is a front view of the bottom frame portion of the module of thepresent invention in a closed position.

FIG. 55 is a plan view of the top frame portion of a module of thepresent invention in an open position.

FIG. 56 is a front view of the top frame portion of a module of thepresent invention in an open position.

FIG. 57 is a side view of the top frame portion of a module the presentinvention in an open position.

FIG. 58 is a side view of a top frame portion of a module to presentinvention in a closed position.

FIG. 59 is a plan view of a top frame portion of a module of the presentinvention in a closed position.

FIG. 60 is a front view of one sofa back according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 61 is a side view of one sofa back according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 62 is a front view of a sofa arm according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 63 is a bottom view of a sofa arm according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 64 is a side view of a sofa arm ring to the present invention.

FIG. 65 is a partial cross section side view of support posts andframing according to the present invention demonstrating multiple framesare attachable one to another to form and expanded article of furniture.

FIG. 66 is a separated view showing a support post and thought accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 67 is one embodiment of a female connector utilize the presentinvention.

FIG. 68 is one embodiment of a male connector utilized in the presentinvention.

FIG. 69 is one embodiment of a male-female connection according to thepresent invention whereby male connection is a hand-tightened screw thatconnects into a nut utilized in the present invention.

FIG. 70 is an isometric separated view of a connecting portion wherebythe side portions of two frame modules according to the presentinvention are connected to form a larger article of furniture based onconnected modules.

FIG. 71 shows demonstrative placement of components of the furniturearticle in an unassembled shipping configuration.

FIG. 72 is a plan view of a two seat bottom frame portion used themodule of the present invention.

FIG. 73 is a front view of a two seat bottom frame portion used in themodule of the present invention.

FIG. 74 is a side view of a two seat bottom frame portion used themodule of present invention.

FIG. 75 is a plan view of a two-seat top frame portion used in themodule of the present invention.

FIG. 76 is a front view of a two frame top frame portion used in themodule the present invention with side walls in a disassembledconfiguration.

FIG. 77 is a plan view of a two seat top frame portion used the moduleof the present invention.

FIG. 78 is a front view of a two seat top frame portion used in themodule of the present invention.

FIG. 79 is a side view of a two seat top frame portion used the moduleof present invention.

FIG. 80 is a plan view of a two-seat bottom frame portion used in themodule of the present invention.

FIG. 81 is a front view of a two frame bottom frame portion used in themodule the present invention with side walls in a disassembledconfiguration.

FIG. 82 shows demonstrative placement of components of the furniturearticle in an unassembled shipping configuration.

FIG. 83 is an embodiment utilizing a single frame component as thefurniture module whereby the single frame component includes foursidewalls and supporting corner braces to secure each sidewall into andassembled position.

FIG. 84 is a front view from FIG. 83.

FIG. 85 is a front view from FIG. 83 with side walls retracted in adisassembled configuration.

FIG. 86 is one embodiment of the present invention whereby a swivelswing gate traverses the base frame of a module.

FIG. 87 is a perspective partial view of the swivel swing gate from FIG.86.

FIG. 88 is a partial side view of the swivel swing gate demonstrative ofmovement with in a frame of the module of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The various embodiments of a collapsible furniture module presentedbelow and their advantages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1through 71 of the drawings. The elements of the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the invention. Throughout the drawings,like numerals are used for like and corresponding parts of the variousdrawings.

Furthermore, reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “oneembodiment,” “various embodiments,” or any variant thereof means that aparticular feature or aspect of the invention described in conjunctionwith the particular embodiment is included in at least one embodiment.Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in anotherembodiment,” or variations thereof in various places throughout thespecification are not necessarily all referring to its respectiveembodiment.

A collapsible furniture module may be provided in other specific formsand embodiments without departing from the essential characteristics asdescribed herein. The embodiments described below are to be consideredin all aspects as illustrative only and not restrictive in any manner.

As best understood, the present disclosure relates to individualizedmodules that are assembled and disassembled to form articles offurniture. Each individual module can form a single individual piece offurniture. Alternatively, modules can be connected to form larger piecesof furniture. For example, a single module can be assembled to form anottoman. A single module with a back portion affixed thereto can form asingle seat chair with no arm portions. Additionally, the single modulecan have one or two arm portions affixed thereto. In an assembledconfiguration, the module has the strength and stature of an article ofconventional furniture.

The module can be sized and shaped as desired. Although the figuresdepict an article configured for use as an ottoman or single personchair, the module can be configured for any article including, but notlimited to: chair, love seat, or sofa of any size. The love seat or sofaconfigurations are made of a single large collapsible module frame, orof two or more modules connected one to another to form a larger articleof furniture. Moreover, in a disassembled configuration, the upper andlower component of the module collapse and are easily shipped.

In general, an exemplary module is formed with an upper frame member 11and a lower frame member 12. A first pair of opposing side panel members13 are pivotally connected by respective edges to opposite sides of theupper frame member 11. Similarly, a second pair of opposing side panelmembers 16 are pivotally connected by respective edges to opposite sidesof the lower frame member 12. The pivoting connections 15 of each sidepanel member permit roughly ninety degrees of rotation such that thepanel members may rotate with respect to the frame member from aparallel orientation in the unassembled configuration (FIG. 4) to aroughly perpendicular orientation for assembly (FIG. 3). As illustratedin FIG. 3, side panel portions 15 rotate to a perpendicular orientationrelative to the base member 14 of frame 11. The configuration of FIG. 3is utilized to prepare an assembled configuration. For a disassembledconfiguration each side panel portion 13 rotates to form a substantiallyparallel relationship with respect to the base member 14. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 5, each support frame 11, 12 preferably comprise brackets14, 17 within each of which is defined an aperture 20, 22, described ingreater detail below. In one embodiment, each side portion is hingedlyattached to a base portion of a frame whereby hinge 15 provides formovement of a side portion to a perpendicular orientation to a framewhen in use and to a collapsed configuration when not in use.

For example, side wall 13 is attached to base portion 14 of frame 11.Each respective side wall 13 is raised until achieving a substantiallyperpendicular orientation relative to frame portion 14 by movement ofhinge 15. When opposing frame portions 11 and 12 are interconnected, allfour walls are secured into position.

With reference now to FIGS. 10 and 11, a module is assembled bycombining two complementary sections are joined forming the rectangularsolid. The top frame 11 has one pair of opposing side panel members 13and the bottom frame 12 has one pair of opposing side panel members 16.Thus assembled, the respective side panel members 13, 16 form the fourperimeter walls of an assembled rectangular solid as shown in FIG. 11.

In order to provide strength and stability such that the module issuitable for use as a piece of furniture, a plurality of internalsupport posts 18 are secured into position attaching top frame 11 andbottom frame 12. In general, support post 18 is configured with a boss23 within which is defined a first female threaded portion 25 and a malethreaded screw portion 24 each located on opposing ends as illustratedin FIG. 8. The support post 18 is installed by inserting the boss 23into aperture 22 defined in the bracket 17 of the lower frame member 12.A foot 19 includes a threaded bolt 26 that threadably engages with thefemale aperture 25 within the boss 23 and secures support post 18 ontobase member 17 and thus, the lower frame member 12. The upper framebracket 14 includes a threaded aperture 20 for receiving the malethreaded portion 24 of the support post 18 to secure post 18 to bracket14 of upper frame member 11.

In a configuration in which the module 10 is a rectangular solid, it ispreferable that at least four support posts 18 are utilized to securetop frame 11 and bottom frame 12 into position. If module 10 is anelongate rectangular configuration additional support posts 18 can beadded along either the length or width of the completed rectangularsolid.

FIGS. 12 through 16 are demonstrative of the assembly and disassembly ofmodules. As shown in FIG. 12, side walls 13 of top frame 11 are rotatedsuch that each side panel 13 is substantially perpendicular with basemember 14 of top frame 11. When a disassembled configuration is desired,each side panel 13 rotates inwardly with respect to the frame 11 to forma substantially planar configuration with each other as demonstrated inFIG. 13. Although the figures demonstrate rotation along a plurality ofhinges, rotation can be achieved with any acceptable attaching devicethat permits the desired rotation of approximately 90 degrees. In apreferred embodiment, the 90 degree rotation for a disassembled form asshown in FIG. 13 relates to 90 degree rotation inward towards each sidepiece towards each other. FIGS. 14 and 15 demonstrate similarconfigurations whereby FIG. 14 is an assembled configuration and sidewalls 16 of bottom frame 12 are substantially in a 90 degree orperpendicular configuration in relation to base member 17. FIG. 15 foran unassembled configuration shows each side piece 16 rotated inwardtowards the other forming a substantively co-planar configurationdesired for the unassembled configuration. Thus, for packing, storageand transport, the folded frame members 11, 12 may be stacked as shownin FIG. 16, and the feet 19 and support posts 18 stored within the openareas of the stacked frames 11, 12.

In other embodiments, modules may comprise shapes other thanrectangular. For example, as is demonstrated in FIGS. 17 through 21provides for a pentagonal-shaped solid. This particular configuration issuitable in a sofa sectional article of furniture providing the angularorientation for two sectional pieces to be connected thereto, alsoreferred to as the corner wedge of the sectional. A pentagonal solidmodule comprises an upper base frame 130 and a lower base frame 120.Each of upper base frame 130 and lower base frame 120 are connected andsecured into a configuration suitable to be used as a module in anarticle of furniture through attachment of a plurality of support posts18 threaded and connected as described above. Lower base frame 120 hasside panels 121 that are pivotally connected by one edge to frame 120such that in an assembled configuration side panel 121 forms asubstantially perpendicular angle to base frame 120, and in anunassembled configuration, as shown in FIG. 19, each side plate 121rotates inward to form a substantially planar article suitable forstorage and shipping. Additionally, the module preferably includes aninternal support member 145 interposed between the upper and lowerframes 130, 120 and spanning the pentagonal shape. As depicted in FIG.25, the internal support member may include an arcuate cut-out 150.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17 a back frame 140 may beconnected between upper base frame 130 and lower base frame 120. Thelower portion of the back frame 140 comprises a plurality of receivers141 that receive angled connector brackets 143 attached to and extendinggenerally upward from the side panels 121 and from internal supportmember 145. As illustrated in FIGS. 28 & 29, receiver 141 comprises aslot for receiving a male extension of connector bracket 143. Back frame140 also preferably includes a bolt or peg 147 (FIG. 30) for securingback frame sections 140 a, 140 b together through an aperture (FIG. 24:149) defined in the side members of the frame 140.

In a preferred embodiment as demonstrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 upper baseframe 130 has affixed thereto seat support webbing 135. Seat supportwebbing 135 can be any type of metal, springs, material and the like asis commonly used in the furniture industry for forming a seat support ina frame. Thus the ready-to-assemble furniture module of is provided withan unassembled configuration having seat support webbing affixedthereto. When assembling and disassembling a module, it is not necessaryto assemble or in any way affix the seat support mechanism to themodule. Additionally, the present invention is assembled anddisassembled without the need for any hand tools, such as a screwdriver,hammer, wrench, pliers and the like.

In one embodiment, as best shown in FIGS. 33 through 44, a moduleaccording to the present invention assembles into an article offurniture. The article of furniture can be a stand-alone chair, a chairwith one or two arms, an ottoman, or as demonstrated in FIGS. 49 through71, more than one module can be connected in order to form a largerarticle of furniture. By way of nonlimiting example, one can assemble afive seat sofa by connecting five modules each configured to seat asingle person. Modules of the can present invention are not limited toseating a single person, and modules of the present invention can beconfigured for example to seek four people on a sofa by connecting twomodules each of which are of size and proportion to seat two people.

Assembly 400 demonstrates an armless seat whereby back portion 419 isconnected onto frame 402 utilizing male-female connectors as generallyunderstood and described herein a bottom frame assembly 401 ties a pairof opposing sidewalls 403 that are pain gently connected to base member404 by a plurality of hinges 405. Each of opposing sidewalls 403 aremovable about hinge 405 to impart a substantially perpendicularorientation relative to base member 404 and subsequently fold downwardonto base member 404 for storage and shipping.

Assembly 402 is the top frame assembly of module of the presentinvention whereby base member 407 has connected thereto a pair ofopposing walls 406 that are dangerously connected with hinges 405 ontobase member 407.

In one embodiment of use each of bottom frame portion 401 and top frameportion 402 are positioned such that their relative sidewalls areperpendicular to their base members. Foot 409 is positioned beneath basemember 404 and is placed through an orifice for 12 such that a screwportion extends therethrough.

Support post 408 has a receiving and 413 constructed and arranged tointeract with foot 409 and a connecting end 414 constructed and arrangedto interact with threads 20 that are on the interior of orifice 410.Thus support post 408 positions and connects bottom frame portion 401top frame portion 402 and forms a furniture module according to thepresent invention.

Although the figures demonstrate the interconnection of a top frameportion and a bottom frame portion in order to form a code collapsiblemodule according to the present invention it is further contemplatedthat a single frame portion can be configured as a collapsible frameportion to be used in the formation of furniture. For example top frameportion 402 can be constructed and arranged with four sidewalls aboutthe perimeter of base member 407 whereby each of the four side wallsinclude a locking means to lock each sidewall into a perpendicularorientation relative to base member 407. Then, support posts 408 areinserted into base member 407 and the module is used utilizing a singleframe portion.

In one embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 44, upper frame portion 402interconnects onto lower frame portion 401 in a manner such thatsidewalls 403 are adjacent to sidewalls 406 and upon interconnection amultisided frame is formed whereby each side of the frame has a wall. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 44, a rectangular configuration is achievedand the rectangular configuration has four walls.

It is further contemplated in the present invention, as demonstrated inFIGS. 45 through 48 that the collapsible frame configuration of thepresent invention creates an efficient manner in which to store and shipfurniture assembled using the modules of the present invention. Not onlyis this a significant improvement upon current furniture configurations,but also the collapsible frame configuration is significantly easier toassemble than conventional ready to assemble furniture.

As demonstrated in FIGS. 49 through 71, one embodiment of the presentinvention provides modules to be connected in order to form a largerportion of furniture. For example, as demonstrated in FIG. 49 to framemodules are connected with a center support bar 734 affixed to a centersupport plate 733 such that a pair of bottom frames 711 and a pair oftop frames 712 interconnect as described herein and are furtherconnected one to another. As desired, arms 713 and arm 714 are affixedto side regions of top frame 712 and a first back portion 715 and aseven second back portion 716 are affixed to the top frame 712 and afixed one to another using male female connectors 723. In thisconfiguration bottom frame 711 hottest opposing sidewalls 727 connectedto base portion 728 and depended on hinges 729 additionally as frame 711is configured to be interconnected sidewall 727 as one or more openings726 in order that it that can be connected to one or more additionalframes. In one embodiment, bottom frame portion 711 has incorporatedthereon connectors 724 constructed and arranged to interact with one ormore back portions 715 or 716 in order to connect back portions to theframe. Top frame portions 712 is constructed and arranged with a pair ofopposing walls 730 connected to base member 731 through a plurality ofhinges 729. In one embodiment connector 725 is constructed and arrangedto interact with connector 724 in order that back portion 715 isconnected to the frame of the present invention. In one environment, asdemonstrated in FIG. 65 to frame portions are interconnected utilizinglocking bolt 723 that is constructed and arranged to pass throughsidewall 730 of a pair of frames to be connected. Support bar 734 isutilized in order to stabilize the connection and lock into position byone or more locking bolts 723 positioned through undercarriage supportplate 733. As generally understood, and described above in thisconfiguration foot 718 is constructed and arranged with base threadedscrew portion to interact with threaded orifice 722 and connects withthe receiving portion of support post 717. Support post 717 constructedand arranged with male threaded connection 720 that interacts withthreaded orifice 719.

As demonstrated in FIG. 71, and further as described herein, thecollapsible frames of the present invention are uniquely configured todisassemble and provide an efficient arrangement for shipping.

In one embodiment, as best demonstrated in FIGS. 72 through 82 themodule of the present invention is constructed to seat more than oneperson. Although the demonstrative figures describe a two-seat module,the present invention is not limited to any particular number of seatsin its configuration.

Bottom frame 511 has base frame 528 sidewalls 527 that are hingedlyconnected to base frame 528 with hinges 529. Sidewall 527 hasincorporated thereon a mounting bracket 525. Mounting bracket 525ultimately interacts with mounting bracket 524 Incorporated on eitherback portion 515 or back portion 516. The mounting of a back portiononto bottom frame 511 is accomplished through male-female connectorrelationship. In a configuration where the module is contemplated toseat multiple persons at least one transverse support 531 is positionedin the interior of frame 511. Transverse support 531 provides structuralsupport for the frame. Top frame 512 is configured with base frameportion 531 and sidewalls 530. Sidewalls 530 are hingedly connected tobase frame 531 by hinges 529. In one embodiment, top frame 512 includestransfer support 531 as previously described. Frame 512 is constructedand arranged with a support leg mounting orifice 519 and arm mountingorifice 526. In one embodiment, frame 512 has a pair of recessed edges532 constructed and arranged to accommodate a back portion secured ontothe frame. As best seen in FIG. 82, even in a configuration contemplatedthe seat multiple persons, each of the frames forming the module of thepresent invention are constructed to collapse and nest for efficientstorage.

In one embodiment, as demonstrated in FIGS. 83 through 85, the module ofthe present invention is formed of a single frame structure havingmultiple walls attached thereto. Although the figures demonstrate a fourwalled structure, it is contemplated that even a three or two walledstructure can formed of a single frame and assemble into the module ofthe present invention. In a configuration 401 a whereby a single frameis used to form the module of the present invention, opposing sidewalls403 a and poor closing sidewalls 407 a are constructed and arranged tocollapse in an unassembled configuration and pivot on hinges 405 into anassembled configuration. Although the particular embodiment demonstratesto hinges on each wall, the present invention requires at least onehinge on each wall. Once sidewalls 403 a and 407 a are pivoted into anupright position, forming a substantial or perpendicular orientation tobase frame 404 a, corner locking brackets 411 are inserted and securedinto position. As disclosed herein, module 401 a has incorporated therewith a plurality of openings for 12 constructed and arranged forreceiving support posts 18.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 86-88 a transverse support 551 is amovable support. In the configuration using movable support 551, whichcan be selectively used in either bottom frame 511 and or top frame 512,the movable support rotates or other wives moves in a manner such thatthe volume of the module cavity is unobstructed and provides forplacement of articles with in the module cavity in on assembledconfiguration. In one embodiment, movable support 551 is a swivel swinggate that pivots along pivot 557 Incorporated on base frame portion 528.

While the invention has been described in its preferred form orembodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that thisdescription has been given only by way of example and that numerouschanges in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, includingthe combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A module for forming furniture, said module comprising: anupper frame; a lower frame; at least two support posts to connect saidupper frame to said lower frame whereby said upper frame and lower frameform an assembled configuration when said support posts connect and adisassembled configuration when said support post connection isdisconnected.
 2. The module of claim 1, where in said upper frame has atleast one side plate, wherein said side plate is configured to rotateinto a perpendicular orientation relative to said frame and asubstantially parallel orientation relative to said frame.
 3. The moduleof claim 2, wherein said rotation is effectuated by at least one hingeconnected each to said side portion and said base frame.
 4. The moduleof claim 1, wherein said upper frame has a pair of opposing side platesand said lower frame has a pair of opposing side plates, whereby eachset of opposing side plates is constructed and arranged to define fourside walls of a rectangular solid when said upper frame and said lowerframe are in an assembled configuration.
 5. The module of claim 1wherein said upper frame has a seat support structure attached theretowhereby said seat support structure is constructed and arranged toremain in place on said upper frame when said upper frame is in each ofthe assembled and unassembled configurations.
 6. An article of furniturecomprising: at least one module according to claim 1, wherein saidmodule is assembled into an article of furniture.
 7. The furniture ofclaim 6, wherein said furniture is any of an ottoman, a chair, aloveseat, or a sofa.
 8. The furniture of claim 6 wherein a single moduleis utilized to form said furniture.
 9. The furniture of claim 6 whereinbetween 2-20 modules are used to form said furniture.
 10. The furnitureof claim 6 including at least one arm member attached to said module.11. The furniture of claim 6 including at least one back portionattached to said module.
 12. A module for forming furniture, said modulecomprising: at least one collapsible support frame; a means for lockingsaid collapsible frame into a standing assembled position.
 13. Themodule of claim 12 having one or more support posts to support saidframe in a standing position, said posts and frame forming a furnituremodule in an assembled configuration.
 14. The module of claim 12 havingone or more side plates, wherein said side plate is configured to rotateinto a perpendicular orientation relative to said frame and asubstantially parallel orientation relative to said frame.
 15. Themodule of claim 14 wherein said rotation is about a hinge connected eachto said plate and support frame.